Fabricating apparatus for wooden trusses, panels, and the like

ABSTRACT

The fabricating apparatus comprises a jig table carrying wooden framing members positioned to form a truss. Nailplates are located on opposite sides of the butt joints of the wooden members for embedment into the joints by a press movable lengthwise along the jib table. The jib table is supported by a plurality of longitudinally spaced pivoted wands comprised of substantially U-shaped members. One leg of each of the pivoted wands engages the undersurface of the jib table to support the latter while its opposite leg lies below the lower press platen and bears against a support preventing pivotal movement of the wand from its table supporting position. As the press traverses the table, the lower press platen successively pivots the wands to locate the other legs of the wands in supporting engagement with the jig table while the previously supporting legs of the wands are pivoted below the lower press platen. The pressis controlled via a circuit responsive to switch actuating pins disposed at selected positions along a track for automatically and sequentially stopping the press when the press overlies successive butt joints, actuating the press to embed the nailplates, and restarting the press for movement along the jig table.

United States Patent [72] lnvcntors John Calvin Jureit Coral Cables;

)scar Csakv ary, Miami, both of, Fla. [21] Appl. No. 867,730

[221 Filed Oct. 20, 1969 [45] Patented Sept. 7, 1971 [73] AssigneeAutomated Building Components, Inc.

Miami, Fla.

[32] Priority Apr. 16, 1969 [33] 5 Great Britain s4 FABRICATINGAPPARATUS son waom rnussns, PANELS, AND THE LIKE 100/272 l l 3 PrimaryExaminer-Billy J. Wilhite Attorney-LeBlanc & Shur ABSTRACT: Thefabricating apparatus comprises a jig table carrying wooden framingmembers positioned to form a truss. Nailplates are located on oppositesides of the butt joints of the wooden members for embedment into thejoints by a press movable lengthwise along the jib table. The jib tableis supported by a plurality of longitudinally spaced pivoted wandscomprised of substantially U-shaped members. One leg of each of thepivoted wands engages the undersurface of the jib table to support thelatter while its opposite leg lies below the lower press platen andbears against a support preventing pivotal movement of the wand from itstable supporting position. As the press traverses the table, the lowerpress platen successively pivots the wands to locate the otherlegs ofthe wands in supporting engagement with the jig table while thepreviously supporting legs of the wands are pivoted below the lowerpress platen. The pressis controlled via a circuit responsive to switchactuating pinsdisposed at selected positions along a track forautomatically and sequentially stopping the press when the pressoverlies successive butt joints, actuating the press to embed thenailplates, and restarting the press for movement along the jig table.

PATENTEDSEP H971 SHEET 1 [1F 5 ATTORNEYS PATENIEI] SEP 71911 SHEET 2 BF5 PATENTEU SEP 7 Ian SHEET 3 BF 5 INVENTORS JOHN C. JUREIT OSCARCSAKVARY BY dSA ATTORNEYS PATENTEDSEP Hem 3603244 SHEET 1, 0F 5FABRICATING APPARATUS FOR woooEN rnussss, PANELS, AND THE LIKE Thisapplication relates to a species of the invention disclosed in copendingapplication Ser. No. 810,501, filed Mar. 26, 1969, which application isa division of application Ser. No. 676,943, filed Oct. 20, 1967, now US.Pat. No. 3,443,5l3,dated May 13, 1969.

The present invention relates to a system for fabricating woodentrusses, panels or the like and particularly to a jig table, press andcontrol apparatus for the press, whereby nailplates are successivelyembedded into the spaced butt joints of wooden frame members supportedby the jig table and which members form trusses, panels or the like.

The wooden building construction industry has recently made tremendousstrides forward with the advent of fabrication techniques wherein buttjoints of wooden frame members forming trusses, panels and the like arefastened together by embedding nailplates of the type having a pluralityof teeth struck therefrom into the joints, typical nailplates for thispurpose being described in US. Pat. No. 2,877,520. Previous methods ofapplying the nailplates to the butt joints, such as hand nailing,employing individual power-operated presses at each joint, etc. havebeen not only time consuming, laborious and accordingly expensive, butdo not lend themselves to large scale automated truss fabrication on anassembly line basis.

In conventional fabrication techniques which utilize poweroperated trusspresses, wooden frame members, consisting of elongated chords and crossmembers, are prepositioned in assembled relation on a jig table withconnector plates located on opposite sides of the truss, panel or thelike at the butt joints. Thereafter, the connector plates are pressedinto the butt joints to fasten the frame members together and form thecompleted truss, panel or the like. A press capable of providing theforegoing action is disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,079,607. While this typeof truss press is satisfactory, this press per se and others employedfor like purposes are not particularly adapted for operation inconjunction with elongated trusses having widely spaced butt jointswherein the press head must be repeatedly raised and lowered and the jigtable carrying the truss manually manipulated to locate each of the buttjoints of the truss below the press head or platen for each pressoperation.

Other conventional fabricating techniques employ a plurality offluid-operated press heads, each mounted on bases movable inlongitudinal and transverse directions whereby the press heads areindividually located relative to each butt joint of a particular sizeand type of truss. The plural presses are then simultaneously actuatedto embed the several nailplates into the butt joints. The press headsthus employed, however, must be accurately and often laboriouslyrepositioned for different sizes and types of trusses, panels or thelike having different locations and spacing between the butt joints.Additionally, in most instances, the press heads must be movedtransversely of the truss, panel or the like to permit the same to bewithdrawn from the press, thus necessitating repositioning of theseveral press heads for the completion of each truss, panel or the like,with the result that rapid, efficient and inexpensive fabrication oflarge numbers of even the same size and type of truss cannot berealized.

One such technique utilizes a jig table supported by pivoted V-shapedwands, the jig table mounting the frame members in a trussconfiguration. A manually operated and movable press is then locatedover the joints and actuated to embed the connector plates into thejoints, the press pivoting the wands between table supporting andnonsupporting positions. This system however is not automated and islimited to small truss sizes.

The present invention provides a novel, improved and unique fabricationsystem for automatically or manually forming completed trusses, panelsor the like, hereinafter referred to as trusses. To accomplish this,wooden frame members are LII prepositioned on a jig table to form atruss and nailplates of the foregoing type are positioned on oppositesides of the butt joints. A fluid actuated toggle-type press havingupper and lower press platens located on opposite sides of the jig tableis movable lengthwise along the jig table and operable to press thenailplates into the butt joints. The upper press platen is movabletoward and away from the jig table by a fluid actu ated cylinderoperating on toggle links connecting the upper platen to the frame ofthe press. The jig table is supported by a plurality of longitudinallyspaced U-shaped wands pivoted at their apices. The ends of each wand areadapted to alternately engage and support the jig table. To accomplishthis, one leg of each U-shaped wand extends from its pivot to anovercenter position to engage the jig table while the other wand legbears against a lower support to prevent movement of the wand under theweight of the table, such other leg being spaced below the lower pressplaten as to permit the passage of the lower press platen thereover. Asthe press traverses the table, rollers carried by the press lift the jigtable from the table supporting wand. The lower platen then engages thetable supporting wand leg and pivots the wand such that the other wandleg moves into supporting engagement with the jig table. The lower pressplaten momentarily supports the jig table as the wand legs are pivotedbetween table supporting positions. The wands thus sequentially pivot inresponse to movement of the press through the wand positions.

A control apparatus is provided to successively stop the press atpredetermined positions along the jig table in accordance with thepredetermined successive longitudinal spacing between the butt joints ofthe prepositioned frame members to successively locate the movable upperpress platen in pressing position over the butt joints. in the automaticmode of operation, the press is stopped, the upper press platen islowered to press the nailplates into the butt joints,

and subsequently raised therefrom, and the press is advanced I inresponse to sequential actuation of a control circuit actuating switch,the latter being successively actuated as the press moves longitudinallybetween the successive spaced butt joints. This switch is activated bypins selectively spaced one from the other along the path of movement ofthe press in accordance with the longitudinal spacing between thesuccessive joints. The pins can thus be selectively located to advanceand control the press to embed the nailplates in trusses of differentsizes and types having variously spaced butt joints. The switch throughthe control circuit, cycles the press stop, pressing operation and thepress advance. After fabricating the truss and at the end of the pressadvance the press actuates limit switches which operate to return thepress along the jig table to its initial position whereupon thecompleted truss is unloaded. Additional framing members can then beassembled on the jig table as before and the press again cycled by thecontrol system and pin actuated switch to repeat the foregoing processto fabricate additional trusses.

To program the press control system for trusses of difi'erent sizes andtypes, the pins are readily and selectively located along the track ofthe press to vary the spacing between ad jacent pins in accordance withthe known spacing between successive joints.

The control circuit is moreover adapted for five modes of operation asdesired: l. manual press forwarding and press control; 2. automaticpress forwarding and pressing and manual press return; 3. automaticpress forwarding and pressing and automatic press return and pressing;4. automatic press forwarding and pressing and automatic press returnwithout pressing; and 5. automatic press forwarding and pressing on asecond jig table and automatic press reversal and pressing on a firstjig table, continuous cycling.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide anovel, improved fabricating apparatus for successively embeddingnailplates into the spaced butt joints of wooden frame members forming atruss, panel and the like.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a fabricatingapparatus having the capability to readily form trusses, panels and thelike of different types, sizes, and

shapes.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fabricatingapparatus for trusses, panels and the like which can be operatedautomatically or manually as desired and which occupies a minimum amountof space.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide afabricating apparatus including a press movable along a jig tablesupporting prepositioned frame members which form the trusses, panels,and the like and a control therefor wherein the press can be indexed fora particular size and type of truss with any number of identical trussesfabricated without resettingthe control for each truss run.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a trussfabricating apparatus having a press movable under automatic controlalong a jig table carrying prepositioned frame members which form thetrusses, panels and the like and wherein the jig table is at all timessupported intermediate its ends notwithstanding the traversing movementof the press between opposite ends of the jig table.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a trussfabricating apparatus including a toggle actuated press movablelengthwise along a jig table wherein the press supports the jig tableduring the pressing operation.

These and further objects and advantages of the present in? vention willbecome more apparent upon reference to the following specification,claims, and appended drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the general arrangement of afabricating apparatus constructed in accordance with the presentinvention and illustrating the jig table, the movable supports therefor,and the press;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the fabricating apparatus of FIG. I withportions broken out for ease of illustration;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view thereof taken generally aboutline 33 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the presstaken generally about line 44 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the presstaken generally about on line 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 6a-6d schematically illustrate the cooperation between the lowerpress platen and jig table support wands as the press traverses the jigtable;

FIG. 7 is an end elevational view of the drive mechanism carried by thepress;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken generally about on lines88 in FIG. 7

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary enlarged perspective view of the controlswitches for the press and the switch actuating pins carried by thecontrol track;

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of an electrical control circuit forthe press;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a control box for selecting the various modesof operation;

FIG. 12 is an electrical hydraulic schematic diagram illustrating afluid control circuit for the press;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of an outriggersupport for handling trusses having high peaks;

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of one mode of operation of thefabricating apparatus hereof and employing two jig tables; and

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of an altemativeembodiment of a jig table support.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a fabricating apparatus constructedin accordance with the present invention comprising generally a jigtable 10, a press 12 having upper and lower press platens 14 and 16respectively (FIG. 3), and mounted for movement lengthwise along jigtable 10, and a control system including a cabinet 18 carried by press12 and housing the electrical circuitry to be described. Jig table 10comprises an elongated generally rectangular member comprised of acomposite of a sheet steel and synthetic fiberboard mounting a pluralityof longitudinally and transversely extending tracks, not shown, and aplurality of reaction pads, not

shown, for longitudinal movement along the tracks. The reaction padsmount clamps and reaction supports'such as pins which engage on oppositesides of the framing members F which form the truss, panel or the like,adjacent the butt joints thereof to maintain framing members Fprepositioned prior to embedding nailplates into opposite sides of thejoints to finally form the truss, panel or the like in the manner to bedescribed. The clamps, tracks, reaction pads and the jig table 10 may beof the type described and illustrated in US. Pat. No. 3,238,867 ofcommon assignee herewith, the disclosure of which is incorporatedhereinby reference in its entirety. It is believed sufficient to notethat any of the plurality of known types and sizes of trusses can beassembled utilizing the jig table noted in that patent and thefabricating apparatus hereof. Nailplates 50 (FIG. 3) are provided at thebutt joints of the truss on opposite sides thereof for embedment intothe joints of the members by the press 12 in a manner to be described.The nailplates may be of the type disclosed in US. Pat. No. 2,877,520which patent is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Opposite ends of jig table 10 are connected to a plurality of uprightstanchions 52 fixed to a base support or floor indicated at S. Jig table10 is supported intermediate its ends by a plurality of pivoted supportmembers or wands generally indicated at 54 and described in detailhereinafter. A pair of tracks 55 and 56 are secured to floor S andextend generally along opposite sides of jig table 10. Track 55comprises a flat strip of metal whereas track 56 carries an invertedangle iron 57. Press 12 is mounted for traversing movement lengthwisealong jig table 10 on tracks 55 and 56 and comprises transversely spacedupright beam assemblies 58, each of which is supported by a carriageassembly 60. Assembly 60 includes a horizontal beam 62 and a pairofdiagonal beams 64 carried adjacent opposite ends of beam 62 andsuitably connected to upright beam assembly 58. A pair of flat rimmedwheels 66 are provided on opposite ends of horizontal beam 62 on oneside of press 12 and engage along track 56. A pair of grooved wheels 67are provided on the opposite ends of the beam 62 on the other side ofpress 12 and engage along angle iron 57. Note that the lower pressplaten 16 is secured at opposite ends to the beam assemblies 58 andextends therebetween below jig table 10.

An upper press head assembly indicated at 70 extends between beamassemblies 58 in spaced relation above jig table 10. Head assembly 70(FIG. 4) may be comprised of a pair of spaced channel members 72 andupper and lower head plates 74 and 76 respectively secured to members 72forming a boxlike structure. A plurality of brackets 78 are securedalong the underside of the lower plate 76 on each side thereof. Movablepress platen 14 depends from upper fixed head assembly 70, moreparticularly, the brackets 78, by means of a plurality of togglesgenerally indicated at 80. Movable upper press platen 14 preferablycomprises a central I-beam 82 and a pair of outer channel beams 84 towhich upper and lower plates 86 and 88 respectively are suitablysecured. Upper plate as mounts a plurality of brackets 90 spaced onefrom the other along opposite sides of plate 86 and spaced belowbrackets 78. Each toggle comprises an upper link 92 and a lower link 94joined together at adjacent ends to form an intermediate pivotal joint93. Toggles 80 are pivotally supported inwardly of toggle brackets 78and adjacent opposite sides of the press and form pairs of transverselyspaced toggles 80 at transversely spaced positions along press 12. Asseen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the upper ends of toggle links 92 are pivotallysecured to brackets 78 by shafts 97 which extend through openings formedin the upper ends of toggle links 92, through suitable spacers 96, andinto suitable openings formed along toggle brackets 78. The lower endsof lower toggle links 94 are similarly secured to toggle brackets 90 bymeans of shafts 98 which extend through openings formed in the lowerends of toggle links 94 and within openings spaced along toggle brackets90. l

The longitudinally spaced intermediate joints 93 of the paired toggleson opposite end portions of press 12 extend in opposite directions fromone another. As seen in FIG. 3, the joints 93 of the paired toggles (3being shown) to the left of center of the press extend on respectiveidentical sides of straight line e joining the pivoted ends of links 92and 94 to the toggle brackets 78 and 90 respectively, while the joints96 of the paired toggles (3 being shown) to the right of center of thepress extend on respective identical but opposite sides of straightlines f joining their pivoted ends to toggle brackets 78 and 90. Thejoints 93 on opposite sides of the press are joined together by a pairof laterally spaced transfer bars 100. Each pair of transfer bars 100 onopposite sides of press 12 connect with the outermost paired links bymeans of a shaft 102 which extends through suitable openings formed inthe transfer bars 100 and within the openings formed through theopposite ends of toggle links 92 and 94.

As particularly illustrated in FIG. 3, the central four pairs of toggles80 form a double scissors arrangement generally indicated at 103 and arepivotally connected at their upper and lower ends similarly as thetoggle links spaced endwise therefrom. An I-bearn bracket 104 (FIG. 5)connects between the inner end portions of each ofthe pair of transferbars 100 on opposite sides of press 12, the intermediate pivotal joints93 of the toggles forming the central scissors arrangement includingpins 106 extending through the openings in respective adjacent ends oftoggle links 92 and 94 and through openings formed through the innerends of the transfer bars 100.-

A free floating piston and cylinder are connected between brackets 104which connect between the pairs of transfer bars 100 on opposite sidesof press 12. Cylinder 110 is pivotally supported at one end by a pin 112engaging through brackets 114 and 116 secured to cylinder 110 andbracket 104 respectively. The end piston 118 carries a clevis 119 whichis pivotally mounted by a pin 113 to a bracket 117 secured to the otherbracket 104. It will thus be seen that extension or retraction of piston118 reciprocates the toggle joints 93 on opposite sides of the presstoward and away from one another. This horizontal reciprocation istranslatedthrough the toggle action into vertical reciprocation of theupper press platen 14 under the control of an electrical-hydrauliccontrol system described hereinafter.

A hydraulic motor 120 is carried by a bracket 121 along the underside oflower press platen l6 and drives a sprocket 122, through a coupling 123.As seen in FIG. 1, a chain 124 extends below jig table along support 8and between opposite ends thereof. Chain 124 is suitably connected tothe stanchions 52 by chain tensioning devices of known construction andin dicated at 125. Bracket 121 also carries idler sprockets 126. Chain124 is looped about the drive sprocket 122 and about the idler sprockets126. It will be appreciated that actuation of hydraulic motor 120 incooperation with the chain 124 drives press 12 lengthwise along jigtable 10 on tracks 55 and 56 in either direction, depending upon thedirection of rotation of hydraulic motor 120.,

In order to support jig table 10 between its ends as press 12 movestherealong with the upper and lower press platens 14 and 16 on oppositesides of jib table 10, with beam assembly 58 substantially encompassingtable 10, a plurality of pivoted support members or wands 54 arelongitudinally and transversely spaced along the respective length andbreadth of jig table 10. Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, pivotedwands 54 are arranged in longitudinally extending, transversely spacedrows, three being illustrated, with each wand 54 comprising asubstantially U-shaped member pivoted at its apex as at 130 to a bracket132 fixed to the base support or floor S. Each member 54comprisesopposite legs having base and upper leg portions 134 and 136respectively, forming an included angle with one another. The end ofeach of upper leg portions 136 mounts a support head or roller 138. Asseen particularly in FIG. 6a, each U-shaped wand 54 is formed such thatthe support head 138 on the end of one of its legs engages theundersurface of table 10 when the base portion 134 of the other legbears against base support or floor S. Note that the support head 138engaging table 10 is slightly overcenter relative to pivotal axiswhereby a vertically downward force on the table supporting roller 138tends to pivot member 54 in a counterclockwise direction, as seen inFIG. 6a, to press the base portion 134 of the other leg against thefloor S. In other words, the weight of table 10 as well as the framemembers of the truss, panel or the like prepositioned thereon, precludespivoting of member 54 from its overcenter table supporting position. Itwill be noted that both legs of member 54 are similarly arranged so thata like supporting action is provided when either of the support heads orrollers 138 engage the un legs in table supporting position are thoselegs in which the ineluded angle between the base and upper portions 134and 136 respectively open toward the press, as best-seen in FIG. 1.

Referring now to FIGS. 6a-6d, it will be noted that, when one of theheads 138 lies in a table supporting position, the other nonsupportinghead 138 lies below the underside of lower press platen 16. Thus, forexample, when the right-hand legs of the three transversely alignedwands 54 lie in table sup porting positions and the press 12 moves fromleft to right as seen in FIGS. 1 and 6a, the lower press platen l6clears and passes over thenonsupporting heads 138 and engages againsttheir supporting heads 138. Further movement of press 12 to the rightpivots the wands 54 clockwise as seen in FIG 6bsuch that the previouslysupporting heads 138 are pivotedto positions lying on the opposite sidesof the pivotal axiswl30 t whereupon wands 54 are free for furtherclockwise .ipivotal. movement. Continued movement of press 12 tothesright; further pivots members 54 tending to lower the previousjigtable supporting heads 138 and raising the previous jig table Inonsupporting heads 138 as illustrated by" the dashed and full lineillustrations of a wand 54 in FIG. 66. FIG. 6d represents the positionof the members 54 just prior to movement of the previous nonsupportingheads 138 into support positions below table 10 and just prior to themovement of the previously supporting heads 138 to positions belowpressplaten 16 whereby thelatter may pass over the latter-mentioned heads andthrough the table supporting position. Whenthe press platen 16 passesover the previously supporting heads 138, the previously nonsupportingheads 138 move overcenter to sup port positions with the base positions138 of their opposite legs bearing against floor S. The positions of thesupport members 54 to the left of the press in FIG. 1 illustrate thefinal positions thereof after the press has moved through that supportposition in a direction from left to right.

To facilitate movement of the members 54, a plurality of rollers 140 arecarried on opposite sides of the lower press platen 16, the rollersbeing carried by spring biased shafts 142 to project slightly above thepressing surface of lower platen 16. As the press approaches atransversely spaced set of support members 54, the rollers 140 lift jigtable 10 from lower platen 16. In this manner, the table supporting head138 is free to swing through the overcenter position without engagingthe underside of table 10. When the press has passed through this set ofsupportmembers, the table 10 settles onto and is sup ported by thesupport heads 138 which have just been pivoted into support positionbelow the table 10. Additionally, the support heads 138 lie in anintermediate pivoted position, between the positions illustrated inFIGS. 6b-6c, when the upper press platen 14 moves downwardly to pressthe nailplates into the truss. In this manner, the wands 54 are out ofthe way and do not interfere with the pressing action, the table 10being supported at each pressing position by the press itself.

Turning now to FIG. 1, when press 12 is moved from left to right,support members 54 trailing press 12 lie in the positions illustrated tothe left of the press in FIG. 1. When the press 12 moves from right toleft as seen in FIG. 1, support members 54 trailing the press 12 will bepivoted in the reverse or counter clockwise direction (as described withreference to FlGS.

6a6da) to positions illustrated to the right of the press in F 1G. 1 andwhen the press has moved to the left-hand end of jig table 10, all ofthe members 54 will assume the positions illus-. trated by the membersto the right of the press in H0. 1. By the foregoing, it will be seenthat the jig table is supported intermediate its ends at each of thesupport positions defined by members 54. Moreover, as the press movesthrough a support position, and the transversely spaced support membersthereat pivot such that neither of rollers 138 on the ends of legs 136'support table 10 (when the members 54 assume the intermediate positionsillustrated in FIGS. 6b-6c), the press platen 16 provides the supportfor jig table 10 in that position.

in an alternate form hereofillustrated in FIG. a plurality oflongitudinally and transversely spaced support tubes 129 suitablypivoted at their lower ends as at 130a to base support S upstand betweensupport S and table 10 with their upper ends terminate in support heads1380 which engage the underside of table 10. A coil spring 127encompasses each tube 129 adjacent its lower end to normally maintaintube 129 in an upright table supporting position. When press 12traverses and moves through each support position, rollers. lift table10 from heads 138a and lower platen 16 engages and pivots the tubes 129out of the table supporting position against the bias of spring 127.Further movement of the press pivots tubes 129 to the extent that theundersurface of platen 16 passes over tubes 129 whereupon the lattersnap back under the bias of springs 127 to again engage and support thetable.

lt-will be appreciated that a large number of the trusses panels and thelike fabricated by the foregoing described system will have a widthgenerally less than 8 feet. in other words, the distance between thetruss peak and the lower chord for a large number of trusses will beless than 8 feet. Ac-. cordingly, ajig table width of about 8 feet canbe employed to fabricate a majority of the trusses. For those trusseswhich have a peak to lower chord height greater than the jig tablewidth, there is provided, in accordance with the present invention andreferring particularly to FIGS. 2 and 13, an outrigger assemblygenerally indicated at wherein these larger width trusses, panels andthe like can be readily fabricated without changing or providing largerjig tables. To this end, the outrigger supportassembly 150 comprises asupport tube 152 having a plurality of openings 154 spacedlongitudinally therealong. Support tube 152 lies transversely betweentracks 55 and 56 and is slidably received in a bracket 156 underlyingthe inside edge ofjig table 10. Bracket 156 has a pair of longitudinalopenings 158 for receiving a pin whereby tube 152 can be selectivelypositioned relative to jig table 10. The opposite end of support tube152 carries a pivotal mounting 160 which receives a pivoted member 162of identical shape as members 54.

An outrigger support member 166 is provided and carries a support pad168 for the peak portions of the truss, panel or the like. The supportpad 168 is provided with suitable tapped openings to receive clamps andthe like similar to the clamps provided jig table 10. Support member 166is connected to jig table 10 by a pair of bars 170 which extend from suport member 166 inwardly for reception in a pair of grooves 172 formed injig table 10; in this manner, the distance between the support member166 and the inner edge of jib table 10 can be selected in accordancewith the size of the truss being fabricated. Tube 152 is similarlyspaced relative to jig table 10 and it will be appreciated that member162 supports member 166 in a manner to permit passage of press 12.Particularly, member 166 is supported by one of the leg portions ofpivoted member 162 while the other leg portion bears against support 8.As the press engages the supporting leg, it pivots from its supportingposition overcenter into a position bearing against support S while theopposite leg pivots from its position on support S to a pad supportingposition. The action of the member 162 is similar as the action of themembers 54 as described with respect to FIGS. 6a6d. Accordingly, forthose trusses'having a height greater than 8 feet, the peak joint can beformed on the outrigger pad 168, the latter being supported by thepivoted member 162.

Referring now to F IGS. 3 and 9, there is illustrated a portion of thecontrol system for the press drive. Particularly, a tubular member isspaced inside of track 55 and lies coextensively therewith. Tubularmember 180 has a plurality of openings 182 through its upper face.Openings 182 are spaced equal distances one from the other along thelength of member 180. For reasons as will become apparent, a pluralityof pins 184 are selectively receivable in openings 182 in accordancewith the distances between successive buttjoints.

A pair of angled brackets 186 are secured on the inside of beam 62 andrespectively carry microswitches FF and RvP. Each switch mounts anactuating arm 188 which extends inwardly such that its end portion,which mounts a roller 190, overlies tubular track 182. Accordingly, asthe press traverses jig table 10, rollers 190 successively engage pins184. That is to say, when press 12 moves from left to right as seen inFIGS. 1 and 2, microswitch FF is successively actuated in accordancewith the predetermined spacing between next adjacent pins 184 which, inturn are inserted into the openings 182 in accordance with the spacingbetween the butt joints of the truss being fabricated. Thus, byinserting pins 184 into selected openings 182, trusses of various sizesand types having various spacing between their butt joints can bereadily, fabricated. It will be appreciated that the microswitches PPand RvP, through an electrical circuit to be described and depending onthe direction of movement of the press, stop the press at selectedpressing positions, that is, over the butt joints, initiate the pressingcycle, and start the press moving again at the end of the pressingcycle.

Also mounted at opposite ends of beam 62 are angle brackets 192.Brackets 192 carry, microswitches F1 and RE-l respectively havinginwardly extending actuating arms. The arms of these switches areshortened however, as to be outwardly spaced from pins 184. At oppositeends of the jig table 10, tube 180 mounts outwardly projecting anglebrackets 194. At the end of the press movement in either direction, theactuating arm of either switch F-l or RE-1 engages the associated anglebracket 194 to actuate the corresponding switch. 7

Referring now to FIG. 12, an electrically controlled fluid circuit isprovided and arranged in controlling relation to drive motor 120 and topress actuating cylinder 110. A pair of fluid lines 198 and 200alternately supply pressurized fluid to opposite sides of cylinder 110to reciprocate upper platen 16 toward and away from jig table 10. Fluidfrom a reservoir 202 is pressurized by an electrically driven pump 204with the pressurized fluid from pump 204 flowing to a four-waythreeposition control valve 206 via a conduit 208. Valve 206 is biasedto the illustrated neutral position by a pair of springs 210. in thisneutral position, input conduit 208 communicates with an intermediateconduit 209 connected to a similar fourway three-position control valve212. Valve 212 is similarly biased to the illustrated neutral positionby springs 214 wherein conduit 209 communicates with a return conduit216 emptying into reservoir 202.

A pair of solenoids-218R and 218L are arranged to shift valve 206 toalternately lower and raisepress platen 16 in a manner to be described.Actuation of solenoid 2181. shifts valve 216 to the left as seen in FIG.12 to provide pressurized fluid via conduits 208 and 198 to cylinder 110to retract piston fluid exhausting from the opposite side of piston 118to the reservoir 202 via conduits 198, 209 and 216. I I

A pair of solenoids 220F and 220Rv are arranged to shift valve 212 andare actuated in a manner to be described to alternately operatehydraulic motor 120 in the forward or reverse directions, therebyrespectively advancing or retracting press 12 along jig table 10. Itwill be noted, with reference to the control circuit hereinafterdescribed, that valve 206 is always in the neutral position when thepress is being either advanced or retracted along jig table and thatvalve 212 is always in the neutral position when press platen 16 isbeing lowered or raised. Actuation of solenoid 220F shifts valve 212 tothe left as seen in FIG. 12 to provide pressurized fluid via conduits208, 209 and 222 to motor 120 to drive the press 12 forwardly (forexample, from left to right in FIG. 1) with ex haust fluid returning toreservoir202 via conduits 224 and 216. Actuation of solenoid 220Rvshifts valve 212 to the right to provide pressurized fluid. to motor 120via conduits 208, 209 and 224 to drive press 12 along jig table 10 inthe reverse direction (from right to left as seen in FIG. 1) withexhaust fluid returning to reservoir 202 via conduits 222 and 216.

The electrical circuit illustrated in FIG. 10 is arranged to ad vancethe press along the jig table and actuate the pressing cycle in fivemodes of operation as follows: A. Manual press advance and presscontrol; B. Automatic press forwarding and pressing, manual pressreversal; C. Automatic press forwarding and pressing and automatic pressreversal and pressing; D. Automatic press forwarding and pressing plusautomatic press reversal without pressing; and E. Automatic pressforwarding and pressing on a second jig table plus automatic pressreversal and pressing on a first jig table, continuous cycling. (Thelatter mode being described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 14).

In modes BE, the electrical circuit is arranged to sequentially shiftvalves 206 and 212 to advance press 12 along jig table 10, stop press 12at a pressing position wherein the upper and lower press platens lie onopposite sides of the butt joint, lower and then raise the upper pressplaten l6, and restart motor 120 to again advance press 12 along jigtable 10, to rcpeat the foregoing press advancing, stopping, pressingand ad vancing cycle successively as the press 12 is located insuccessive pressing positions corresponding to the consecutive buttjoins of the prepositioned frame members on jig table 10.

Referring to FIG. 11, there is illustrated a simplified control box CBincluding a key slot 225, a manual operating lever 226 having fourswitch actuating positions indicated at U, R, D and L and an automaticmode operating switch indicated at 228 having four switch operatingpositions U, R, D and L. Manual switch 226 is spring biased into theneutral position. By use of this simplified control box, all of thevarious modes of operation described above can be obtained.

The control circuit illustrated in FIG. 10 is illustrated in adeactivated contact mode wherein the various relays represented bycircles open and close associated contacts in a manner to be described,normally open and closed contacts being denoted by the vertical pairs ofparallel lines and the slashed pairs of vertical parallel linesrespectively with the contacts being lettered to correspond to theirassociated aetuating relays. Also, the switch actuating positions areindicated by the prefixes M and A to indicate either manual or automaticmode of operation.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a power supply P is provided across a pair ofsupply lines 230 and 232, the supply line in eluding, key operatedswitch 225 and an emergency switch [ES-l which, when opened, breakswhatever completed circuit is controlling the press system. To start thefabricating system, fluid pump 204 is actuated by closing the keyactivated switch 225 to complete a circuit across supply lines 230 and232 and pump 204. Actuation of fluid pump 204 pressurizes the fluidcircuit described hereinbefore with reference to FIG. 12 whereby fluidis maintained available for operation of cylinder 110 and motor 120.

Frame members F are now prepositioncd and clamped on jig table 10 withnailplates located on opposite sides of the butt joints. To commencefabrication in the manual mode of operation, manual switch MU is closedto energize a circuit via lead lines 230, 234,236 and 232 to actuatesolenoid 218R. Actuation of solenoid 218R shifts valve 206 to the rightas seen in FIG. 12 to provide pressure fluid to cylinder to extendpiston 118 whereby upper press platen 14 is moved to its uppermostposition. This insures that the opening between the press, platens issufficiently large as to receive the jig table, frame members, andnailplates therebetween. When the press platen I4 is in its uppermostposition, switch RS-l closes and switch RS2 opens.

To advance the press, for example, from left to right as seen in FIG. 1,manual switch MR is closed to energize a circuit via lead lines 230, 238and 232 to actuate relay FOR. Actuation of relay FOR closes normallyopen contacts FOR-2 to energize solenoid 220F via a circuit through leadlines 230, 240

and 232. Actuation of solenoid 220F shifts valve 212 to the left as seenin FIG. 12 to drive motor 120 and hence press 12 in the forwarddirection (from left to right in FIG: 1 as hereinbefore described.

When the press advances such that the upper'and 'lower press platens lieon opposite sides of the initial butt' joint as determined by theoperator, the operator manually closes switch MD to stop the advance ofthe press and to' initiate the pressing eyclefParticularly, by movinglever 226 from the MR position to the MD position, switch MR is openedand relay FOR is deenergized thereby returning contacts FOR-2 to their inormally open position and deenergizing solenoid 220F;

Dcenergization of the latter permits .valve 212 to return to its neutralposition wherein hydraulic motor 120 and hence press 12 is stopped. Byclosing switch MP, solenoid 218L is actuated via a circuit includinglead lines 230, 234, 242, 244 ari'd23 2 Energization of solenoid 218Lshifts valve'206 to the left as via lcad lines 230, 234, 246, and 232.Actuation of relay R opens normally closed contacts R l and closesnormallyopenf,"

contacts R-2 and R-3. The closing of contact R-Z provides a holdingcircuit for relay R via lead line 248. Closing contact R-3 energizessolenoid 218R via lead lines 230, 234, 250, 236 and 232 to thereby shiftvalve 206 to the right as seen in FIG.

.12 and consequently raise press platen 14 as previously described. Atthe top of the press stroke; switch RS-Z opens and switch RS-I closes.Opening switch RS-2 deenergizes relay R thereby returning contacts R-2and R-3 to their normally open position and accordingly deenergizingsolenoid 218R. Closing switch RS-l readies the circuit including leadline 238 for the next closing of switch MR whereupon press 12 can beadvanced similarly as described. It will be appreciated that theoperator can thus close switch MR to advance the press and, when thelatter is located at a pressing position over one or more butt joints,close switch MD to initiate the pressing cycle. Note that the operatormust continuously hold switch lever 226 in the switch closing positionsin order to maintain their corresponding functions.

a At the end of the press advance, the operator can retract the press inthe opposite direction by moving lever 226 to'closc switch ML. (losingswitch Ml.encrgi1.es relay Rv via a circuit removed from jig table 10and additional framing members F located to form an additionaltrussfAltcrnately, the press can remain at the forward end of travel andcan be retracted in the reverse direction with the operator stopping thepress at the butt joints to initiate the pressing cycle. Thus, merely byalternately closing switches MI. and MD, the operator can manuallyreverse the press and commence pressing operations on the press return.In this latter operation, the finished truss would be removed from thejig table after forward movement of the press with the press remainingat the forward end of the jig table until additional framing members Fand nailplates are prepositioned on jig table 10 to permit embedmcnt ofthe nailplates on the return of press 12.

To advance the press and cycle the pressing operation in the automaticmodes B-E as indicated previously, the operator places pins 184 inopenings 182 in tube 180 in positions underlying the butt joints of theprepositioned frame members F on jig table 10. That is to say, theoperator selects openings 7 182 directly underlying each of theconsecutive buttjoints and After setting pins 184, the operator closesswitch AR to energize relay AR via a circuit including lead lines 230,254, and 232. Energization of relay AR closes normally open contactsAR-1 and AR-2. Since the'press platen 14 is initially in its uppermostposition, switch RS-l is closed and relay FOR is thus energized via acircuit including lead lines 330, 238, 276

and 232. Energization of relay FOR opens normally closed contacts FOR-Jand FOR-3 and closes normally open con tacts FOR2, the latter permittingenergization solenoid 220F via a circuit including lead lines 230, 240,260 and 232. Energization of solenoids 220F causes the press 12 toadvance as previously described. When the press advances to the initialjoint, the switch actuating arm associated with switch Fl engages thefirst pin 184 to momentarily close normally open switch FP. By closingswitch F P, relay L is energized via a circuit including lead lines 230,262, 264, 266, 268 and232. Energization of relay L closes normally opencontacts L-l and L-2 and opens normally closed contacts L-3. By openingL-3, relay FOR is deenergized and consequently solenoid 220F isdeenergized, whereby press 12 stops at the position selected by theplacement of the initial pin 184. By closing contacts L-1 and L2, thereis respectively provided a holding circuit for relay L via lead lines230, 234, 242, 268 and 232 and solenoid 2181. is energized via leadlines 230, 234, 242, 270 and 232. Energization of solenoid 218L shiftsvalve 206 to the left as seen in H0. 12 to lower press platen 14 aspreviously described. At the bottom of the press stroke, pressure actu-'ated switch PS-l and PS-2 momentarily open and close respectively.Opening switch PS-l deenergizes relay L thereby returning contacts L4and L-2 to their normally opened position and thereby .deenergizingsolenoid 2181,. By momentarily closing switch PS-2, relay R is energizedvia a circuit including lead lines 230, 234, 246 and 232. Energizationof relay R returns contact R-l to its normally closed position andcloses normally opened contacts R-2 and R-3 to respectively provide aholding circuit for relay R via lead lines 230, 234, 246 and 232 andenergize solenoid 218R via lead lines 230, 234, 250, 236 and 232.Energization of solenoid 218R shifts valve 206 to the right as seen inFIGv 12 to retract upper press platen 14 to its uppermost position. Atthe top of the press stroke, switch RS-l closes and switch RS-2 opens.

' As contacts AR-l are maintained closed by the continuous energizationof relay AR, relay FOR is again energized via lead lines 230, 238, 256and 232 to again advance press 12 along jig table 10 as previouslydescribed. As press 12 advances, the actuating arm of switch F P engagesthe next pin 184 underlying the second butt joint and the press stoppingv and press lowering and raising cycle is repeated as previouslydescribed. After embedding the nailplates into the second butt joint,the press again advances to embed the nailplates at each of theconsecutive butt joints until the press 12 has traversed the entirelength of jig table 10.

Atthe end of the forward travel of the press, switch actuating arm ofnormally closed switch F-l engages angle iron 194 to open switch FOR-1and thereby deenergize relay FOR which, in 'turnQdeenergizes solenoid220F by returning contacts FOR-2' to their normally open position. Thepress accordingly stops. 1 I

At this point, the operator can choose between manually returning thepress by closing switch; ML aspreviously:

described, or closing switch AL to ,pro vide pressing onthe return ofthe press. it will be appreciated that should the operator choose toreturn the press manually, he would close switch ML and when, the pressis returned to its initial position, the finished truss would be removedand additional frame members would 'be positioned whereby 'a similarpressing operation as described would be commenced. It will beappreciated that where a different size or type of truss is to be,

fabricated, the pads on jig table 10 are moved to underlie the jointsand the pins 184 are similarly realigned with the joints.

Should the operator choose to return press 12 with the press beingcycled for pressing operation on the return stroke, the

finished truss is removed from jig table 10 and additional ated by a pin184 and the press 12 is ultimately returned to its framing members arethen prepositioned thereon as previously described. Once prepositioned,the operator would close switch AL and the press would automaticallystop at and embed the nailplates at each of the butt joints of anadditional truss identical to the first truss. Should a different trusswith differently located butt joints be positioned on jig table 10, pins184 in addition to the pads on jig table 10, would be repositioned tounderlie the. butt joints such that the press can press the nailplatesinto the butt joints on its return. In either case, by closing switchAL, relay AL is energized via a circuit including lead lines 230, 254,280 and 232. Energization of= relay AL closes normally opened contactsAL-l and AL-2. By closing contacts AL-1 relay Rv is energized via leadlines 230, 238, 252, 291, 282 and 232. Energization of relay Rv closesnormally opened contacts Rv-Z to energize solenoid closes normally opencontacts L-l and L2 v i} mally closed contact l.3 to stop the prcssandconm press platen lowering cycle as previously describe platen l5 lowersand raises as previously described and, when the press platen 14 obtainsits uppermost position, switch RS-l closes to again energize relay Rv toadvance press 12 in the reverse direction. The actuating arm of switchRvP engages the next pin 184 underlying the next buttjoint and thepreceding press stopping, press platen lowering and raising and pressadvancement in the reverse direction is repeated. The foregoing isrepeated each time the switch RvP is'actuinitial position, for example,at the left end of jig table 10 as seen in FIG. 1. Upon retum'of press12 to its initial position,

switch RE-l is opened by the engagement of its switch actuating armagainst bracket 192 to thereby deenergize relay Rv whereupon the pressstops in the manner previously.

described. At this point, the completed truss is removed from jig table10 and additional framing members are prepositioned for the fabricationof a like or different truss as desired.

in the fourth mode of operation, that is, automatic forwardtacts AU-l,AU-2, and AU-3 to energize relays FOR and AU D. Energization of relayFOR causes press 12 to advance as previously described, for example,from left to right as seen I in FIG. 1, with the press stopping,pressing and starting again press lowering and raising cycle at the endof which, switch RS-l is closed to again energize relay FOR aspreviously described. This cycling is repeated until press 12 reachesthe end of its forward travel whereupon switch F-l is opened to stop thepress advance as previously described. Immediately, upon opening switchFI, contacts FOR-1 are returned to their normally closed position andrelay Rv is energized via lead lines 230, 238, 252, 292, 282 and 232,normally opened contact AUD-l being closed by energization of relay AUDvia lead lines 252, 256, 294 and 232. Energization of relay AUD closesnormally open contacts AUD-l, AUD2, and AUD-4 and opens normally closedcontact'AUD-3. Closing contact AUD2 provides a holding circuit for relayAUD and opening contacts AUD-3 disables the lowering relay L. When thepress 12 has returned to its initial position, switch RE-l is openeddeenergizing relay Rv.

Referring now to FIG. 14, there is schematically illustrated the fifthmode of operation. That is to say, in this form, a pair of jig tablesare disposed in end to end relation one to the other. The supports forthe jig tables are similar as the supports for the jig table illustratedin FIG. 1. The framing mem bers F can be prepositioned 'o'n jig table aas the prepositioned members on jig table 10b are pressed by the press12 and vice versa. Particularly, press 12 is adapted to pass over table10a and commence pressing operations on table 10b, and, after a shorttime delay, passover table 10b in the reverse direction and commencepressing operation upon table 10a.

At the end of the reverse pressing operation on table 10a, andafter ashort time delay, the press advances forwardly to again press on table10b in the forward direction. The press is continuously cyclediin thisfashion such that the completed truss on table 1% after the press haspassed by can be removed and additional framing members prepositioned toform a new truss. Similarly after the press passes table 10a in thereverse direction, the completed truss on table 100 can be removed andadditional framing members disposed thereon to form a new truss. Toprovide this mode of operation, a pair of tubes 180a and 18% aredisposed below jig tables 10a and 10b and are transversely offset onefrom the other as seen in FIG. 14. The microswitches FF and RvP are alsooffset one from the other and the actuating arm of switch FF is raisedabove the actuating arm of switch RvP with its pin engaging end bentdownwardly into the horizontal plane of the, arm associated with switchRvP. In this manner, when the press advances forwardly, that is fromleft to right as seen in FIG. 14, the actuat ing arm of switch FF isvertically offset from the pins in tube 180a and engages only the pinsin tube 180k while the actuating arm of switch RvP is outwardly spacedfrom the latter pins and remains unengaged. Similarly, on the return ofthe press,

switch RvP is actuated only by the pins in tube 180a while the switchactuating arm of switch FF is vertically spaced from the pins along tube1800.

To obtain continuous cycling along tandem jig tables, switch AD isclosed to energize relay AD via lead lines 230, 254, 296 and 232.Energization of relay AD closes normally open contacts AD-l, AD-Z, AD3,AD-4 and AD-S. Closing contact AD-l energizes relay FOR via lead lines230, 238,

298 and 232. Energization of relay FOR closes contact FOR2 to energizesolenoid 220F via lead lines 230, 240, 260 and 232 to advance the press.Energization of relay FOR opens normally closed contact FOR-3 to disablerelay AUD. When the press advances beyond jig table 10a and beginstraversing along jig table 10b, the initial pin 184 in tract 18% closesswitch F? to energizethe relay L via lead lines 230, 262, 264, 290, 299,266, 268 and 232. Energization of relay L closes normally opened contactL2 to energize solenoid 2l8l. via lead lines 230, 234, 242, 270 and 232.Ener'gization of solenoid 218L shifts valve 218 to the left as seen inFIG. 12 as previously described to lower press platen 14. The presslowering and rising of the cycle has been previously described.

At the end of this press lowering and raising cycle switch R-l is closedto again energize relay FOR to advance the press as previouslydescribed. The press stops and the pressing cycle is actuated at eachpositionof the pins 184 along tube 18% until the press reaches the endofjig table 10b. At the end of the press travel, normally closed switchF-l opens t o deenergize relay FOR. Upon deenergization of relay FOR,contact FOR-l and FOR-3 return to their normally closed positionswhereupon relay AUD is energized via lead lines 230, 238, 252, 256, 300and 232. Energization of relay AUD closes normally opened contacts AUD-lto energize relay Rv and close normally opened contacts AUD-2 to providea holding circuit for relay AUD. Switch F2 is ganged to switch F-l andcloses when switch F-l opens to energize relays FR and TD. Energizationof relay FR opens normally closed contacts FR-l and energization of TDcloses contacts TD-I after a short time.

closes to energize relay L via lead lines 230, 262, 304, 268 and 232 toactuate the press lowering and raisingcycle as previously described. Atthe end of the press cycle, switch R S-l is.

closed and relay Rv is again energized, the latter closing contactsRv-Zto energize solenoid 2-20Rv via a circuifincluding lead lines 230,240, 25s and 232. Note' that the closing or switch F-2 at the forwardmost end of the press travel isorily momentarily and that as the pressadvances over thelpins in rail a, the solenoid providing thereversedrive of the press is actuated through the normally closedcrintacLFR-l. In this manner, a time delay at each press actuatingposition'iiis eliminated. At the end of press advance in the reversedirection, switch RE l is opened thereby deenergizing relay Rv to stopthe press. Switch RE1 i'sganged to switch,RE-'2 and the latter closes toagain energize relays FR and TD via lead line 230, 238, 252, 306 and232Deenergization of relay" Rv returns contact Rv-l to its normallyclosed position whereupon relay FOR is energized. Concurrentenergization of relay FOR, FR and TD respectively close normally openedacontact'FOR-Z, open normally closed contact FR-l and close normallyopened contact TD-l to energize solenoid 220F after a shor't'time delayvia lead lines 230, -301, 260 and 232. Consequently, after a short timedelay, the press is again advanced in the forward direction past jigtable 10a for pressing operations on table 10b as previously described.In this manner, assembly line production of trusses iseffected with atleast two trusses being substantially simultaneously fabricated.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by U.S. Letters Pat. is: g

l. A fabricating apparatus for successively embedding connector platesin the spaced butt joints in prepositioned wooden frame members formingtrusses or the like compris ing: means for supporting the wooden framemembers, a press movable along said support means for pressing theconnector plates into the butt joints of the frame members, drive meansfor moving said press along said support means, and means arranged incontrolling relation to said press including index means operable inresponse to the movement of said press along said support meanssuccessive distances equal to the distances between consecutive buttjoints to successively actu ate said press and press the connectorplates into the butt joints. l

' 2. A fabricating apparatus according to claim I wherein said indexmeans is arranged in controlling relation to said drive means tosuccessively stop said press in response to movement thereof along saidsupport means successive distances equal to the distances betweenconsecutive buttjoints.

3. A fabricating apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said controlmeans includes switch means and said index means includes a membercarrying a plurality of spaced switch actuating elements, the spacingbetween adjacent actuating elements being proportional to thepredetermined spacing between the butt joints, and means providing forrelative movement between said switch means and said member forsuccessive actuation of said switch means.

4. A fabricating apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said member hasa plurality of carrying positions for said elements,

said elements being movable between carrying positions to selectivelyvary the spacing between adjacent elements.

5. A fabricating apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said membercomprises a tube extending along said support means and having aplurality of openings, said elements including pins ,insertable intosaid openings, said switch means being carried by said press and havinga switch actuating arm en gageable with said pins.

6. A fabricating apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said drive meansincludes a fluid motor and a fluid circuit therefor having valve meansin controlling relation to said fluid motor,

said index means including switch means arranged in con trollingrelation to said valve means to shift the latter and stop said pressdrive means.

7. A fabricating apparatus according to'claim 1 wherein said pressincludes a press platen and at least one fluid actuated cylinderoperable to move said platen toward and away from the joints, saidcontrol means including a fluid control circuit having electricallyactuated valve means operably connected with said cylinder, anelectrical circuit arranged in controlling relation to said valve means,and switch means in said electrical circuit, saidindexing means beingoperable to actuate said switchmea ns to energize saidelectrical-circuit andshift said I valve means to move the press platentoward and away from the joint.

8. A fabricating apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said press drivemeans includes a fluid motor and said press includes a press platen andat-least one fluid actuated cylinder operable to move said platen towardand away from the joints, said control means including a fluid controlcircuit having electrically actuated valves operably connected with saidfluid motor and said cylinder, an electrical circuit arranged incontrolling relation to said valves, and switch means in said electricalcircuit, said indexing means being operable to actuate said switch meansto energize said electrical circuit to shift said valves to stop themovement of said press along the con-' veyor and move the press platentoward and away from the joint.

v9 A fabricating system according to claim 2 wherein said press drivemeans includes a fluid motor and said press includes a press platen andat least one fluid actuated cylinder, said control means including a'fluid control circuit having valve means operably connected with saidfluid motor and said cylinder, and means for actuating said valve meansto move said platen toward and away from the joints and to selectivelystop and advance said press along said support means, said valveactuating means being operable in response to the movement of said pressplaten away from the joints to move said press along said support means.

10. A fabrication system according to claim 9 wherein said control meansincludes means located adjacent one end of said support means foractuating said valve means to stop the movement of said press along saidsupport means.

I]. A fabricating apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said pressincludes upper and lower press platens and a press frame, means mountingone of said press platens on said frame for movement toward and awayfrom the other press platen including a plurality of toggles connectingbetween said one press platen and said frame, said control meansincluding means operable to move said one press platen toward and awayfrom said other press platen and including means connected to saidtoggles for moving an end thereof toward and away from the other end ina direction generally parallel to the movement of said one press platen.

12. A fabricating apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said supportmeans includes a table for carrying the frame members and means movablebetween table support and nonsupport positions, said movable means beingspaced below said table at predetermined positions therealong andmovable from said table support positions to said nonsupport positionsin response to movement of said press through said positions.

13. A fabricating apparatus according to claim 12 including means forreturning said movable means to said table support positions in responseto movement of said press through said positions. 7

l4. A fabricating apparatus according to claim I wherein saidsupport.means includes a table for carrying the frame members and aplurality of members pivotal between table support and nonsupportpositions, said pivotal members being spaced below said table atpredetermined positions therealong and pivotal from said table supportpositions to said nonsupport positions in response to engagement of saidpress with said members as said press moves through said positions.

15. A fabricating apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said membersare substantially U-shaped and pivoted at their respective apices, thelegs of each of said members having table engaging heads adjacent theirfree ends with the head on one leg lying in engagement with said tablein a table support position while the head of the other leg is spacedbelow said table in a nonsupport position, said press being engageablewith said members as it moves through said predetermined positions topivot said members such that said one head of said members pivots fromsaid table support position to said non support position and the otherhead of said members pivots from said nonsupport position into saidtable support position.

16. A fabricating apparatus according to claim 14 wherein saidmembersare pivoted at their lower ends with the upper ends thereofcarrying table engaging support positions, said members being pivotableto said nonsupport positions in response to movement of said pressthrough said predeter mined positions.

17. A fabricating apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said pressincludes upper and lower press platens and a press frame, means mountingone of said press platens on said frame for movement toward and awayfrom the other press platen including a plurality of toggles connectingbetween said one press platen and said frame, said control meansincluding means operable to move said one press platen toward and awayfrom said other press platcnand including means connected to saidtoggles for moving an end thereof toward and away from the other end ina direction generally parallel to the movement of said one press platen.

18. A fabricating apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said supportmeans includes an elongated jig table for carrying the frame members,and an outrigger support pad spaced transversely from said jig table tocarry portions of trusses which exceed the width of said jig table.

19. A fabricating apparatus according to claim 18 wherein said supportmeans includes means movable between table and pad support andnonsupport positions, said movable means being spaced below said tableat predetermined positions therealong and below said pad, said movablemeans being movable from said table and pad support positions to saidnonsupport positions in response to movement of said press through saidpositions.

20. A fabricating apparatus according to claim 19 including portpositions in response to engagement of said press with said members assaid press moves through said positions.

' 23. A fabricating apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said supportmeans includes a pair ofjig tables located in endwise relation one tothe other with the frame members prepositioned on each table to form atruss, said control means controlling said press to first press theconnectorplates into the consecutive butt joints of the frame members onone of said jig tables and then to press the connector plates into theconsecutive butt joints of the frame members on the other of said jigtables.

24. A fabricating apparatus according to claim 23 wherein said controlmeans includes means providing for a time interval between the pressingaction on said first and second tables.

25. A fabricating apparatus according to claim 23 wherein said controlmeans controls said press for movement in one direction while pressingthe connector plates into the butt joints of the members on said one jigtable and for movement in the opposite direction while pressing theconnector platcs into the butt joints of the members on the other ofsaid jig tables.

26. A fabricating apparatus for successively embedding connector platesin the spaced butt joints of prepositioned wooden frame members'forming'trusses or the like compris' ing: means for supporting the wooden framemembers, a press for embedding the connector plate into the butt jointsof the members, means for providing relative movement between saidsupport means and said press to locate the latter and the successivebutt joints carried by said support means in successive press positionsfor embedment of the connector plates in the butt joints, means arrangedin controlling relation to said moving means including index meansoperable in response to relative movement of said support means and saidpress successive distances equal to the distances between consecutivebutt joints to successively actuate said press and embed the connectorplates into the butt joints, said support means including a table forcarrying the frame members and means movable between table support andnonsupport positions, said movable means being spaced below said tableat predetermined positions therealong and movable from said tablesupport position to said nonsupport position in response to relativemovement ofsaid press and said support means.

27. A fabricating apparatus for successively embedding connector platesin the spaced butt joints of prepositioncd wooden frame members formingtrusses or the like, comprising: means for supporting the wooden framemembers including a table, a press for embedding the connector platesinto the butt joints of the members and including upper and lower pressplatens on opposite sides of said table and a press frame. means forproviding relative movement between said support means and said press tolocate the latter and the successive butt joints carried by said supportmeans in successive press positions for embedment of the connectorplates in the butt J joints, and means arranged in controlling relationto said moving means including index means operable in response to relative movement ofsaid support means and said press successive distancesequal to the distances between consecutive butt joints to successivelyactuate said press and embed the connector plates in the butt joints,said control means including means operable to move one of said pressplatens toward and away from the other of said press platens andincluding toggle means connecting between one press platen and saidframe.

UNI'EK'LD sm'ncs I'A'EPIN! (mum C E HIM NCAE U E CO II R E {1 "H0 N Patnt 3, 603,24} Dated September 7 1971 Inventor) John Calvin Jureit andOscar Csakvary It, is ifivd that. error appears in the nhovwdduntlfii0datent and that said fir-1.11am Palm-n1 are hcrc-hy corrected as slwwnbelow:

In the Abstract, line 5, both occurrences, "jib table-- should read--jig table-. Line 8, "jib" should read --jig--. Line 16, "pressis"should read --press is--.

In Column 5, line 59, "jib" should read -j ig-- In Column 7, line 2,"6a-6da)" should read --6a-6d--.

In Column 7, line 62, "jib" should read --jig--.

In Column 8, line 63, "valve 216" should read -valve 206--. In Columnll, line 23, "lines 330" should read -lines 230-.

In Column ll line 74, "switch FOR-1" should read -switch F-l-- In Column12, line 44, "platen 15" should read --platen 14-- In Column 14, line22, "relay L" should read relay LOW.

Signed and sealed this l th day of April 1972.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Commissionerof Patents ORM POJOSO uscoMM-nc mam-Pm

1. A fabricating apparatus for successively embedding connector platesin the spaced butt joints in prepositioned wooden frame members formingtrusses or the like comprising: means for supporting the wooden framemembers, a press movable along said support means for pressing theconnector plates into the butt joints of the frame members, drive meansfor moving said press along said support means, and means arranged incontrolling relation to said press including index means operable inresponse to the movement of said press along said support meanssuccessive distances equal to the distances between consecutive buttjoints to successively actuate said press and press the connector platesinto the butt joints.
 2. A fabricating apparatus according to claim 1wherein said index means is arranged in controlling relation to saiddrive means to successively stop said press in response to movementthereof along said support means successive distances equal to thedistances between consecutive butt joints.
 3. A fabricating apparatusaccording to claim 2 wherein said control means includes switch meansand said index means includes a member carrying a plurality of spacedswitch actuating elements, the spacing between adjacent actuatingelements being proportional to the predetermined spacing between thebutt joints, and means providing for relative movement between saidswitch means and said member for successive actuation of said switchmeans.
 4. A fabricating apparatus according to claim 3 wherein saidmember has a plurality of carrying positions for said elements, saidelements being movable between carrying positions to Selectively varythe spacing between adjacent elements.
 5. A fabricating apparatusaccording to claim 4 wherein said member comprises a tube extendingalong said support means and having a plurality of openings, saidelements including pins insertable into said openings, said switch meansbeing carried by said press and having a switch actuating arm engageablewith said pins.
 6. A fabricating apparatus according to claim 2 whereinsaid drive means includes a fluid motor and a fluid circuit thereforhaving valve means in controlling relation to said fluid motor, saidindex means including switch means arranged in controlling relation tosaid valve means to shift the latter and stop said press drive means. 7.A fabricating apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said press includesa press platen and at least one fluid actuated cylinder operable to movesaid platen toward and away from the joints, said control meansincluding a fluid control circuit having electrically actuated valvemeans operably connected with said cylinder, an electrical circuitarranged in controlling relation to said valve means, and switch meansin said electrical circuit, said indexing means being operable toactuate said switch means to energize said electrical circuit and shiftsaid valve means to move the press platen toward and away from thejoint.
 8. A fabricating apparatus according to claim 2 wherein saidpress drive means includes a fluid motor and said press includes a pressplaten and at least one fluid actuated cylinder operable to move saidplaten toward and away from the joints, said control means including afluid control circuit having electrically actuated valves operablyconnected with said fluid motor and said cylinder, an electrical circuitarranged in controlling relation to said valves, and switch means insaid electrical circuit, said indexing means being operable to actuatesaid switch means to energize said electrical circuit to shift saidvalves to stop the movement of said press along the conveyor and movethe press platen toward and away from the joint.
 9. A fabricating systemaccording to claim 2 wherein said press drive means includes a fluidmotor and said press includes a press platen and at least one fluidactuated cylinder, said control means including a fluid control circuithaving valve means operably connected with said fluid motor and saidcylinder, and means for actuating said valve means to move said platentoward and away from the joints and to selectively stop and advance saidpress along said support means, said valve actuating means beingoperable in response to the movement of said press platen away from thejoints to move said press along said support means.
 10. A fabricationsystem according to claim 9 wherein said control means includes meanslocated adjacent one end of said support means for actuating said valvemeans to stop the movement of said press along said support means.
 11. Afabricating apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said press includesupper and lower press platens and a press frame, means mounting one ofsaid press platens on said frame for movement toward and away from theother press platen including a plurality of toggles connecting betweensaid one press platen and said frame, said control means including meansoperable to move said one press platen toward and away from said otherpress platen and including means connected to said toggles for moving anend thereof toward and away from the other end in a direction generallyparallel to the movement of said one press platen.
 12. A fabricatingapparatus according to claim 1 wherein said support means includes atable for carrying the frame members and means movable between tablesupport and nonsupport positions, said movable means being spaced belowsaid table at predetermined positions therealong and movable from saidtable support positions to said nonsupport positions in response tomovement of said press through said positions.
 13. A fabricatingapparatus according to claim 12 including means for returning saidmovable means to said table support positions in response to movement ofsaid press through said positions.
 14. A fabricating apparatus accordingto claim 1 wherein said support means includes a table for carrying theframe members and a plurality of members pivotal between table supportand nonsupport positions, said pivotal members being spaced below saidtable at predetermined positions therealong and pivotal from said tablesupport positions to said nonsupport positions in response to engagementof said press with said members as said press moves through saidpositions.
 15. A fabricating apparatus according to claim 14 whereinsaid members are substantially U-shaped and pivoted at their respectiveapices, the legs of each of said members having table engaging headsadjacent their free ends with the head on one leg lying in engagementwith said table in a table support position while the head of the otherleg is spaced below said table in a nonsupport position, said pressbeing engageable with said members as it moves through saidpredetermined positions to pivot said members such that said one head ofsaid members pivots from said table support position to said nonsupportposition and the other head of said members pivots from said nonsupportposition into said table support position.
 16. A fabricating apparatusaccording to claim 14 wherein said members are pivoted at their lowerends with the upper ends thereof carrying table engaging supportpositions, said members being pivotable to said nonsupport positions inresponse to movement of said press through said predetermined positions.17. A fabricating apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said pressincludes upper and lower press platens and a press frame, means mountingone of said press platens on said frame for movement toward and awayfrom the other press platen including a plurality of toggles connectingbetween said one press platen and said frame, said control meansincluding means operable to move said one press platen toward and awayfrom said other press platen and including means connected to saidtoggles for moving an end thereof toward and away from the other end ina direction generally parallel to the movement of said one press platen.18. A fabricating apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said supportmeans includes an elongated jig table for carrying the frame members,and an outrigger support pad spaced transversely from said jig table tocarry portions of trusses which exceed the width of said jig table. 19.A fabricating apparatus according to claim 18 wherein said support meansincludes means movable between table and pad support and nonsupportpositions, said movable means being spaced below said table atpredetermined positions therealong and below said pad, said movablemeans being movable from said table and pad support positions to saidnonsupport positions in response to movement of said press through saidpositions.
 20. A fabricating apparatus according to claim 19 includingmeans for returning said movable means to said table and pad supportingpositions in response to movement of said press through said positions.21. A fabricating apparatus according to claim 18 wherein said pad isadjustably spaced from said jig table.
 22. A fabricating apparatusaccording to claim 14 wherein said support means includes a table forcarrying the frame members and a plurality of members pivotal betweentable support and nonsupport positions, said pivotal members beingspaced below said table at predetermined positions therealong andpivotal from said table support positions to said nonsupport positionsin response to engagement of said press with said members as said pressmoves through said positions.
 23. A fabricating apparatus according toclaim 1 wherein said support means includes a pair of jig tables locatedin endwise relation one to the other with the frame membersprepositioned on each table to foRm a truss, said control meanscontrolling said press to first press the connector plates into theconsecutive butt joints of the frame members on one of said jig tablesand then to press the connector plates into the consecutive butt jointsof the frame members on the other of said jig tables.
 24. A fabricatingapparatus according to claim 23 wherein said control means includesmeans providing for a time interval between the pressing action on saidfirst and second tables.
 25. A fabricating apparatus according to claim23 wherein said control means controls said press for movement in onedirection while pressing the connector plates into the butt joints ofthe members on said one jig table and for movement in the oppositedirection while pressing the connector plates into the butt joints ofthe members on the other of said jig tables.
 26. A fabricating apparatusfor successively embedding connector plates in the spaced butt joints ofprepositioned wooden frame members forming trusses or the likecomprising: means for supporting the wooden frame members, a press forembedding the connector plate into the butt joints of the members, meansfor providing relative movement between said support means and saidpress to locate the latter and the successive butt joints carried bysaid support means in successive press positions for embedment of theconnector plates in the butt joints, means arranged in controllingrelation to said moving means including index means operable in responseto relative movement of said support means and said press successivedistances equal to the distances between consecutive butt joints tosuccessively actuate said press and embed the connector plates into thebutt joints, said support means including a table for carrying the framemembers and means movable between table support and nonsupportpositions, said movable means being spaced below said table atpredetermined positions therealong and movable from said table supportposition to said nonsupport position in response to relative movement ofsaid press and said support means.
 27. A fabricating apparatus forsuccessively embedding connector plates in the spaced butt joints ofprepositioned wooden frame members forming trusses or the like,comprising: means for supporting the wooden frame members including atable, a press for embedding the connector plates into the butt jointsof the members and including upper and lower press platens on oppositesides of said table and a press frame, means for providing relativemovement between said support means and said press to locate the latterand the successive butt joints carried by said support means insuccessive press positions for embedment of the connector plates in thebutt joints, and means arranged in controlling relation to said movingmeans including index means operable in response to relative movement ofsaid support means and said press successive distances equal to thedistances between consecutive butt joints to successively actuate saidpress and embed the connector plates in the butt joints, said controlmeans including means operable to move one of said press platens towardand away from the other of said press platens and including toggle meansconnecting between one press platen and said frame.